Determinant model of green creative network capability of family farms: An exploration based on grounded theory

Abstract

: Green Creative Network Capability (GCNC) is particularly important for addressing business-model homogenization and weak sustainability awareness among family farms in China. Existing studies on green creativity and network capability have mainly focused on corporate contexts, while the determinants and formation mechanisms of GCNC in family farms remain insufficiently understood. Drawing on in-depth interviews, this study uses grounded theory to explore the determinants of GCNC among family farms. The findings identify five main dimensions: green consciousness construction, creativity cultivation, network planning, resource integration, and relationship management. Among them, green consciousness construction serves as an antecedent factor, while creativity cultivation, network planning, resource integration, and relationship management function as contextual factors. These dimensions influence GCNC through different mechanisms. Based on these findings, this study proposes the “Consciousness-Context-Network Capability” Model to explain how these dimensions shape GCNC and through which pathways they operate. The results provide policy implications and practical pathways for governments to support the development of family farms’ GCNC.